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    Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target ‘available for £43m from summer as Bundesliga star’s release clause leaked’

    SEVERAL of the Premier League’s top clubs have been put on high alert after Benjamin Sesko’s alleged release clause was revealed.The 20-year-old arrived at RB Leipzig last summer from their Austrian sister club RB Salzburg.
    Sesko is one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwardsCredit: Getty
    His rapid progression from the Austrian league to the Bundesliga has naturally drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, given they both made their names at Salzburg before big Bundesliga moves.
    Sesko started the season rapidly with a goal on both his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts for Leipzig.
    His debut goal in the Champions League made him the club’s youngest player to score in Europe, at just 20 years and 111 days old.
    The goals have become less consistent of late, which is natural for a youngster acclimatising to one of Europe’s top leagues.
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    Sky Sports Germany report that the forward will be available for a bargain £43million this summer due to the way his transfer to Leipzig was constructed.
    As part of Leipzig signing Sesko for £20.4m in the summer with £5m in add-ons, the cheap release clause was added this summer as a ‘compromise’ in the deal.
    Chelsea have previously been linked to a summer deal for Sesko, with the Blues seeing the Slovenian as a cheaper option to their long-term target, Victor Osimhen.
    As a stop-gap until then the club appear to be chasing Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has rarely featured for Unai Emery’s side this season.
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    Sesko is finding his feet at LeipzigCredit: The Sun
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    Arsenal in the past have also seen Sesko as a viable alternative to Ivan Toney, and will wait until the summer to sign a forward anyway.
    United were heavily linked with Sesko in the summer when they opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
    However, it is well known that the Red Devils remain in the market for a no9 as competition for the Hojlund. More

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    Five Premier League transfers that could still go through this week as cash-strapped clubs make last-ditch moves

    THE January transfer window has been a busy time of year for clubs in previous years.Last year’s window broke records thanks in large part to Chelsea’s huge spending spree, but this winter could hardly be more different.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher have an uncertain future ahead of the transfer deadlineCredit: Rex
    Instead of splashing the cash, clubs have been pinching pockets to ensure they comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
    This has seen a number of low cost or loan deals come about as opposed to huge spending.
    For some clubs, however, complying with financial rules also means selling players.
    SunSport have looked at five transfers which could still go through before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
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    Jhon Duran
    Aston Villa star Jhon Duran is the most likely target for the Blues this monthCredit: Alamy
    It is no secret that Chelsea are after a new frontman, and Aston Villa star Jhon Duran appears to be their man after the Blues stepped up their interest last week.
    The 20-year-old has been billed as the most realistic target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side considering his young age and smaller wages compared to other targets such as Karim Benzema.
    Conor Gallagher
    Gallagher remains heavily linked to Tottenham before the window shutsCredit: Getty
    While Chelsea want to sign a forward, their huge transfer outlay means the club must sell, with Tottenham-linked Conor Gallagher representing pure profit from an FFP perspective due to coming through the academy.
    Reports have suggested Chelsea want £50m for Gallagher, who has captained the team for most of the season and has just 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    Miguel Almiron
    Miguel Almiron could be sold to help Newcastle comply with FFPCredit: Getty
    Miguel Almiron looks set to be the main casualty of Newcastle’s need to comply with financial fair play rules as Al Shabad and Al Ahli have emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old.
    The Toon are preparing for his exit with belts tightened at St. James’ Park after the club posted losses of £73.4m in their 2022/23 accounts.
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall
    A transfer for Kieran Dewsbury-Hall will depend on whether Brighton or Brentford match Leicester’s asking priceCredit: Getty
    Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with a Premier League return in recent days with Brighton and Brentford both keeping tabs on the Leicester star.
    However, any deal will depend on the clubs meeting the Foxes asking price of £35m, with talks being held.
    Jacob Ramsey
    Eddie Howe denied reports saying Newcastle have made an approach for £50m-rated Jacob RamseyCredit: Getty
    Aston Villa Jacob Ramsey has attracted interest from a number of top clubs both in England and abroad, namely Tottenham, Newcastle and Bayern Munich, with a reported price tag upwards of £50m.
    Reports suggested Newcastle have made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, though Eddie Howe swiftly denied a move had been made. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

    CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
    Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
    The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
    And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
    The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
    Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
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    However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
    He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
    But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
    If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
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    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
    The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
    Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
    The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
    But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More

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    Mauricio Pochettino sneaks up on Sky Sports News reporter while live on air during Chelsea training

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO was keen to keep track of what reporters were saying about him today.Sky Sports presenter Paul Gilmour posted a picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) of Pochettino standing close to him and listening in to what the reporter was saying to camera.

    He captioned the post: “When you’re live on @SkySportsNews from Chelsea training and the gaffer sneaks up to listen in.
    “Thankfully I was saying nice things.”
    The likelihood of reporters saying nice things about Chelsea has increased after a more positive run of results for the club.
    Chelsea returned from their winter break with a 1-0 victory over local rivals Fulham.
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    They followed that up with a 6-1 thrashing of Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
    They then drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on the weekend to earn an FA Cup replay.
    Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth responded to the post with: “hahaha brilliant!!”
    A Chelsea fan also responded with a laughing emoji.
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    A third said: “Did you interview him after this?” Alongside three laughing emojis.
    Chelsea have the chance to continue a recent upturn in form when they travel to Liverpool on Wednesday.
    Their reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw, which will give Blues fans hope against the league leaders.
    Chelsea’s form in the league generally this season has been less than stellar.
    The club currently sit in ninth place – although they are just one point off a Europa Conference League spot. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea on transfer red alert with Barcelona ‘enormously concerned’ about Jules Kounde and ‘ready to sell’

    BARCELONA are open to selling defender Jules Kounde as they look to fall in line with FFP regulations.The defender has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea in the past, and both could be on alert with the defender on the market in January.
    Kounde is free to leave BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    United have struggled at centre-back this season, with Raphael Varane’s form seeing him drop to fifth choice at times despite being first pick last year.
    Harry Maguire has undergone a career renaissance this season after looking certain to leave last summer – but his future is also unclear.
    Lisandro Martinez has also missed most of the season with injury.
    The extent of United’s injury issues is dominated by the fact that Jonny Evans, 36, has featured 17 times for the club this season.
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    Kounde, 25, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and played an integral part of their title victory last season.
    But he has struggled to replicate that form this season, and was responsible for two of the goals Barca shipped in their 4-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.
    United were tentatively linked with the defender last summer amid rumours he was unsettled at the Camp Nou.
    Chelsea were also close to signing Kounde last season, reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the defender last year.
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    Kounde is seen as expendable by BarcelonaCredit: The Sun
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    Ultimately, the player chose Barca, but Chelsea could now make a move for Kounde again.
    According to Spanish outlet Sport, there are “enormous concerns” surrounding Kounde’s form.
    The report also states that the club would be willing to listen to offers for former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen.
    A fee has not been reported but Barcelona signed Kounde for £42.5million and would be looking to recoup as much of that as possible. More

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    Chelsea trio set for exit as three Premier League clubs launch enquiries for Conor Gallagher

    THREE Chelsea players could still leave before the transfer window slams shut, according to reports.Clubs have just a matter of days to finalise deals before the February 1 deadline.
    Conor Gallagher is no closer to agreeing a new contract at ChelseaCredit: Rex
    Armando Broja is wanted by two Premier League sidesCredit: Alamy
    Trevoh Chalobah has been sidelined with injury all seasonCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are expected to have a busy end to the window with Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah all potentially departing.
    Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season.
    The Athletic report that he is no closer to signing an extension and could be sold this month or in the summer.
    Gallagher has played 28 times this season and captained Chelsea on multiple occasions – but his importance to Mauricio Pochettino will not prevent a sale.
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    There has supposedly been enquiries about him from three teams in the top half of the Premier League.
    Tottenham and West Ham have been heavily linked with the midfielder in the past.

    Meanwhile, Broja, 22, and Chalobah, 24, are both available to leave on a permanent basis or in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
    The striker faces an uncertain future with Wolves and Fulham interested.
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    Chalobah has not played at all this season due to injury and is looking to get back on the pitch after falling down the pecking order.
    The trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.
    Selling the stars will help the Blues avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.
    Chelsea also reportedly remain interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
    Chiefs view the 20-year-old prospect as a talent for the future.
    Gallagher has impressed in his manager in midfield this season More

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    Chelsea jump into transfer race for Blackburn starlet Adam Wharton after sporting director goes on scouting mission

    CHELSEA are jumping into the race for Blackburn starlet Adam Wharton and will battle Crystal Palace for the midfielder.Blues’ sporting director Paul Winstanley watched Wharton in action last week after the 19-year-old’s performance against the club in the Carabao Cup earlier this season sparked their interest.
    Chelsea want to sign Adam Wharton from BlackburnCredit: Getty
    Winstanley is in the market for even more talent, despite spending heavily on midfielders and Chelsea may be open to a buy and loan back arrangement.
    Rovers snubbed an £18.5million offer from Palace this week and want up to £25m, although they could take that in a down payment and extras.
    Wharton — who signed a five-year deal at Ewood Park last month — will also want to know his career path, so Chelsea need to be persuasive and any plans to loan him out next season would not appeal.
    Palace are unlikely to go higher than their offer of £15m plus £3.5million in add-ons for Wharton and are already making inquiries about alternatives.
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    They include Birmingham’s Jordan James, 19, who is available at around half the price.
    Serie A side Atalanta have been bidding for James but came up short so Palace could swoop in with an acceptable offer for the Welsh teenager.
    Birmingham want Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan — and the 21-year-old may yet become part of the deal.
    Blues have made contact about the wideman, who needs to leave Eagles for regular game time and could go if they bring in a new player or two.
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    Rak-Sakyi is back after two months out with a torn hamstring but unable to get into Roy Hodgson’s squad.
    He has been limited to just eight first team appearances this season. More

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    Forgotten Chelsea wonderkid dubbed ‘most gifted player of his generation’ set for transfer move to 14th club

    FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Gael Kakuta, who was once described as “the most gifted player of his generation,” is set to join the 14th club of his career.Kakuta, 32, is attracting interest from LaLiga side Granada after starring for DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations, according to French Football Weekly.
    Gael Kakuta was tipped to be one of the most important players of his generationCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
    Kakuta is currently starring for DR Congo at AfconCredit: Reuters
    Kakuta signed for Chelsea from Lens as a 16-year-old in 2007 under highly controversial circumstances.
    Chelsea’s scout at the time, Guy Hillion, encouraged Chelsea to sign the youngster after describing him as “the most gifted player of his generation”, and he was drafted into The Blues’ Cobham academy set-up.
    Kakuta starred while in the Chelsea academy, winning Academy Player of The Year in his maiden season at the club.
    He also drew praise from Michael Ballack, who played with Kakuta in Chelsea’s reserves while recovering from an injury.
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    He told journalists at the time: “Go see the French lad, he’s a star”
    But in 2009, when Kakuta was promoted to the Chelsea first team, Fifa investigated the transfer that brought him to West London in 2007.
    It was found that Chelsea had illegally encouraged the youngster to break his contract with Lens and The Blues’ were slapped with a two window transfer ban.
    Kakuta was also banned from football for four months and slapped with a £665,000 fine, hardly an ideal start to his Chelsea career.
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    Kakuta currently plays for Amiens in Ligue 2Credit: AFP or licensors
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    Those prosecutions were eventually overturned after Chelsea appealed the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
    To make matters worse, Kakuta suffered a double leg break while playing for the Chelsea reserves that year.
    The midfielder would go on to make 16 appearances for The Blues’ first team between 2009 and 2015 but his career at The Bridge was dominated by loan spells.
    Kakuta went on loan six times before eventually leaving for Sevilla in 2015.
    The Congolese midfielder then underwent a journeyman career which saw him play in the doomed Chinese Super League at one point between 2016 and 2018.
    Now in his 30s, the midfielder finally appears to be settled now he’s an established international, and Granada see him as an important signing as they look to stave off LaLiga relegation.
    He switched his allegiance from the French national team to represent DR Congo in 2017 and has represented his country 19 times.
    DR Congo take on Egypt tomorrow at 8pm in the Afcon round of 16. More